Author: E. DeWayne Swann

Why We Suffer.

Part 2

 

2 Corinthians 1:1-11 (NKJV)
¹ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia:
² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ⁵ For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. ⁶ Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. ⁷ And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
⁸ For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. ⁹ Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, ¹⁰ who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, ¹¹ you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

 

We Saw Last week ;

First,   That we Might Be Prepared to Comfort Others

and now in Part 2 we see;

And now so,  That we Might Not Trust in Ourselves

Did you miss this truth, wedged in verse nine?

⁹ Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,

 

Paul puts his finger on another reason for our season of sorrow: that we might come to a complete end of ourselves and learn the power of total depen­dence.

 

When Paul’s own strength had ebbed away, he found another strength. When his own will to go on faded like the last morning star, the sun of a new hope blazed on his horizon.

 

When he finally hit bottom, Paul learned that he was in the palm of God’s

hand. He could sink no lower than the Everlasting Arms.

 

Let me remind you of God’s dealings with His friend, Abraham, in

Genesis 22. The very first verse of that chapter tells us that God tested Abraham. In fact,

He told Abraham to take his beloved son Isaac to a mountain called Moriah and offer him up as a burnt offering. Though the old man’s heart hemorrhaged within him, he did not argue-he obeyed. What a test Clinging only to his hope in God, Abraham cooperated.

 

On that stark mountain a few days later, the aged patriarch, raised a sharpened knife-poised to plunge into the heart of the son he loved. (Think of it!) But God stepped in and stayed his hand.

 

You ask, “How could Abraham actually carry out such a plan in an obedient manner?” The answer is tucked away in Hebrews 11: 17-19, which says:

 

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son: it was he to whom it was said, IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDENTS SHALL BE CALLED.

 

He considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead. . .”

 

Abraham was determined to shift the weight of his trust from himself to God, who “is able to raise men even from the dead.” And this, the Bible calls “faith.”

 

Perhaps I am writing to a stubborn, suffering saint who is wrestling with God over an affliction. You have not yet laid down your arms, rested your case, and decided to trust in Him completely.

 

Can’t you see, my friend, that God is trying to teach you the all-important lesson of submission to Him-total dependence on His infinite wisdom and unbounded love? He will not let up until you give up, believe me. Who knows better than God that case-hardened independence within you? How much longer are you going to fight God? In

 

Psalm 46: 10, He says to us:

“Cease striving and know that I am God. . .”

     Cease striving-be still!

Surrender to your Lord, , , now. He does not design your ruin­  only your refinement,

 

“For I know the plans that I have for you,, declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

 

The great hymn, HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION says it best:’

When through fiery trials

thy pathway shall lie,

My grace all-sufficient shall he thy supply

The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design

Thy dross to consume

And thy gold to refine.

 

Years ago, I came across a statement which has returned to my thoughts again and again and that is;

“Pain plants the flag of reality in the fortress of a rebel heart.”

 

Pain reduces us to a primary level, the level of dependence on our God. While we stretch out full length on Him, everything within us that is useless and abrasive is simply melted away. Those who were hard and harsh are humbled in Him. Those once proud and self-sufficient are drawn to their knees.

 

Suffering reveals our creature status. We are not all-wise or infinite in strength. But God is. And we need Him- we were created to need Him. Desperately. Sometimes it takes coming to the end of ourselves to see that. God knows. We need to take every tiling we were, everything we are and everything we’ve ever hoped to be and simply place it all in the nail-scarred hands of our loving Lord. And lean hard upon His Word.

 

What was desired of the Corinthians upon this account: That they would help together by prayer for them (v. 11),

¹¹ you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

 

by social prayer, agreeing and joining together in prayer on their behalf. Note, our trusting in God must not supersede the use of any proper and appointed means; and prayer is one of those means.

 

We should pray for ourselves and for one another.

 

The apostle had himself a great interest in the throne of grace, yet he desires the help of others’ prayers. If we thus help one another by our prayers, we may hope for an occasion of giving thanks by many for answer of prayer. And it is our duty not only to help one another with prayer, but in praise and thanksgiving, and thereby to make suitable returns for benefits received.

 

The apostle in these verses attests their integrity by the sincerity of their conversation. This he does not in a way of boasting and vain-glory, but as one good reason for desiring the help of prayer, as well as for the more comfortably trusting in God (Heb 13:18),

 

Heb 13:18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

 

and for the necessary vindication of himself from the aspersions of some persons at Corinth, who reproached his person and questioned his apostleship.

 

¹¹ you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

 

 1   That we Might Be Prepared to Comfort Others

2    That we Might Not Trust in Ourselves

 and now that brings us to the next point;

3  That we Might Learn to Give Thanks In Everything

You’ll never be able to understand this third reason, until you’ve grappled with the first two.

 

Notice how Paul phrases this to his Corinthian friends in verse 11.

“. . .You also joining in helping us through your prayers, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed upon us through the prayers of many.”

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

 

He wrote them a thank-you note. Looking upon his suffering as an opportunity to share his life with others, Paul felt drawn to the Corinthians with cords tied to the innermost being. As they mutually joined in and helped him through their prayers, thanks were rendered to God by many persons.

Because of Paul’s encounter with affliction, many were led to focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and give thanks. One man offered praise in his moment of sorrow, and God so multiplied his song it became a great chorus, echoing in musical voice from heart after heart.

 

God is interested in using us as living object lessons to others. That is precisely why He urges us to present ourselves as living sacrifices. What might happen in your life if you stopped fighting God and started to praise Him for your pain?

 

Try telling Him that you want to be His living object lesson of patience and stability to others. Tell Him how grateful you are for the crushing blows He has chosen to bring into your life.

 

In your own way and in your own words, express how very thank­ful you are that He has selected you from the ranks of millions to share in “the fellowship of His sufferings,” and, like Christ, “to “learn obedience from the things which you suffer” You will be a rare, refined believer if you respond to suffering in this manner, child of God.

 

Job responded in a similar manner when he said:

“Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hands?

Though He slay me, I will hope in Him” Job 13:14-15).

If Job could lift his face and say that to God, so can you.

“Lord-even though this is the most difficult experience of my life, my hope is in You. Thank You for this canyon of pain. I’m leaning on You as I go through it.”

A whole new dimension is opened up to the one who learns to give God thanks for His plan. , . pain notwithstanding.

Then:

He appeals to the testimony of conscience with rejoicing (v. 12),

2 Corinthians 1:12 (NKJV)
¹²  For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

 

GIVE GOD THE GOLRY IN ALL THINGS.

 

Why We Suffer.

Part 1

 

2 Corinthians 1:1-11 (NKJV)
¹ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia:
² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ⁵ For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. ⁶ Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. ⁷ And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
⁸ For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. ⁹ Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, ¹⁰ who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, ¹¹ you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

 

2 CORINTHIANS,

The second letter followed some 12-15 months later from Macedonia, where Paul met Titus and received news of the church’s repentance (2 Cor 2:12-17).

 

Why Do we Suffer?

There may be dozens of reasons why we suffer, but Paul highlights three.

With your Bible open to 2 Corinthians 1: 1-11, take a pencil and circle the little four-letter word “that” in verses 4, 9, and 11. Each of the three reasons is introduced with “that.”

Let’s begin by looking at verses 1 through 4.

¹ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia:
² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

If you were to read down through verse 7, your attention would be called to a term that appears no less than ten times-“comfort.”

 ⁵ For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. ⁶ Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. ⁷ And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

This is from the Greek terms PARA, meaning “beside, alongside,” and KALEO, “to call,”    Called alongside,

This is no shallow sympathy card with rhyming words and gold-glitter greeting, it is eternally more than a “slap on the back” or a quick “cheer up” bit of advice, Our mighty God is called alongside as we suffer!

 

As He comes alongside, He brings genuine comfort, personal assistance, deep involvement, and infinite understanding,

 

Notice that God admits He is the God of all comfort. Regardless of the need, God comforts, no matter the cause, God gets personally involved in your life, suffering friend, He is the God of all comfort! That’s His specialty.

 

Then observe that He comforts those who are in any affliction. That draws the circle around your situation, regardless of the particulars, any affliction is His concern,

 

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15).

“Casting all your anxiety (cares) upon Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

He genuinely cares-deeply cares. But why are we afflicted?

 

Who is our comforter?

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

 

John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

 

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Why do we suffer?

1   That we Might Be Prepared to Comfort Others

⁴ who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Who can understand what it is like to sit alongside a friend or loved one dying with a terminal illness?

 

Who knows the heartache of having a home split apart?

What about someone to understand the loss of a child. . . or the misery of a teen-ager on drugs. . . or the anguish of living with an alcoholic mate. . .

or a failure in school. . . or the loss of a business?

Who on earth understands?

 

I will tell you who-the person who has been through it wrapped in the blanket of God’s comfort. Better than anybody else. You who have endured the stinging experiences are the choicest counselors God can use.

 

This is one of the reasons we suffer-to be prepared to bring encouragement and comfort to others who come across our path enduring a similar situation. Remember that!

 

Consider the chain reaction. We suffer. . . God comes alongside to comfort. . . others suffer. . . we step alongside to comfort them. With God’s arm firmly around my shoulders, I have the strength and stability to place my arm around the shoulder of another. Isn’t this true? Similar experiences create mutual understanding.

 

Because of this we can confidently say that our troubling circum-stances are never in vain. The bruises may hurt, but they are not without reason. God is uniquely preparing us for the comfort others will need. In one sense, we are all “preparing for the ministry.” Our Father is preparing us to meet the deep inner needs of others by bringing us through the dark places first.

Notice verses 8-10.

⁸ For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.

 

1. What they did in their distress: They trusted in God. And they were brought to this limit in order that they should not trust in themselves but in God, v. 9.

 

⁹ Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,

(Note, God often brings his people into great straits, that they may apprehend their own insufficiency to help themselves, and may be induced to place their trust and hope in his all-sufficiency.) Our limit is God’s opportunity.

 

In the mount will the Lord be seen; and we may safely trust in God, who raised the dead, v. 9. God’s raising the dead is a proof of his almighty power. He that can do this can do anything, can do all things, and is worthy to be trusted in at all times.

 

Abraham’s faith fastened upon this instance of the divine power: He believed God who quickened the dead, Rom 4:17.

 

Rom 4:17(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickened the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

 

If we should be brought so low as to despair even of life, yet we may then trust in God, who can bring back not only from the gates, but from the jaws, of death.

 

2. What the deliverance was that they had obtained; and this was seasonable and continued. Their hope and trust were not in vain, nor shall any who trust in him be ashamed. God had delivered them, and did still deliver them, v. 10.

 

¹⁰ who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, ¹¹ you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

 

Having obtained help of God, they continued to that day, Acts 26:22.

 

Acts 26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

 

3. What use they made of this deliverance: We trust that he will yet deliver us (v. 10), that God will deliver to the end, and preserve to his heavenly kingdom. Note, Past experiences are great encouragements to faith and hope, and they lay great obligations to trust in God for time to come. We reproach our experiences if we distrust God in future straits, who hath delivered as in former troubles. David, even when a young man, and when he had but a small stock of experiences, argued after the manner of the apostle here,

 

1 Sam 17:37 David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

 

We wish we knew more about Paul’s experience in Asia. All we know is that the battered apostle was pushed to the very edge of his endurance. And then a little bit farther. No walls left to lean on, no water left in the well, no fine phrases left to repeat in the face of crisis-the face of death. Paul said, “This is it. End of the rope, end of the line.”

Perhaps these words are your words. Maybe you are standing with Paul at the desperate point beyond your own strength. Hope has quietly slipped out the back door. The despair is beyond repair. Burdens push heavily on bruised inner tissue. The end has come!

Unbelievable as it may seem, God has a reason even in this. All this so, we can help others. How else would you be able to tell others that God can bring you through something if He has never done it for you. It builds FAITH

It’s Over Now, Or Is It?

Luke15:24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.

 

The week of this writing was June 10, 2019, as I sat at the computer and began working on a thought that I had, it occurred to me that thirty years ago this week I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. It’s raining now here in Georgia and thirty years ago it was raining here then too.

 

As I recall about a year or maybe two years earlier, I saw my friend and then Sunday School teacher Snyder Turner. I hadn’t been in Sunday School in a while, and he asked if I would come back that I was surely missed. That made me feel good that I was missed. And I told him I would try if he would be kind enough to make me a tape of him singing. I love to hear people sing that know and believe what they are singing, and it also helps that they can sing. I believe that he knew and believed about who he was singing about, and it also helped that he could sing too. He was kind enough to make me the tape, and he sent word to me that I had to come and get it. The place I had to pick it up was at the Church, and the time was during the Sunday School hour.

 

I sent word back to him that I will see him Sunday and if there was no tape there would be no DeWayne because, I would leave. I was somewhat a smart-aleck back then, but I’m doing much better now. So sure, enough I was there at 10:00am Sunday morning and sitting in his class waiting on him. As he walked in, he threw me the tape. I sat and listened to him teach and then went on in the sanctuary and listened to his Dad, Reverend Ben Turner preach and then I didn’t return until I felt as if I had to.

The next day as I was on my way to work, I put the tape in the tape player in my truck and began to listen. Song after song played, some were convicting, some were pick me up songs, and some were just old fashion Church Hymns.

 

As the tape played on, this song came on, and I had heard it before but not quite like this, it was titled “It’s Over Now” and this is what Snyder sang:

“It’s over now. It’s over I’m going home. It’s over now it won’t be long The prisons of my past, couldn’t hold me I’m free at last. My Father I see His arms reaching for me. It’s over now. When I look back to yesterday, and upon the many years I wasted. And I think about the many nights of hunger that I spent out in the cold. I remember warming by the fire, at Father’s house, the food and how it tasted.    And knowing that the life I’m leading, is needing love and love’s at home.

It’s over now. It’s over I’m going home. It’s over now it won’t be long, The prisons of my past, couldn’t hold me I’m free at last. My Father I see His arms reaching for me. It’s over now”.

And then with the music still playing he said this in the middle of the song:

“That reminds me of a young boy that I knew one time that, as a teenager he stayed up all nights lots of nights, building God’s house because he loved the building, he loved the people, I never before seen a boy that age that dedicated to God. Then I looked around one day and all of a sudden, he was gone, nobody knew where he was, but all of his friends that knew him, and stayed around with him up all night, were praying that one of these days, one of these days, he’ll look around, and he’ll say, you know, I believe it was worth it, it’s all over for me now, I’m going back home”.

Then back to the song he went without missing a beat.

“I can hear my father saying, go kill the fated calf and spread the table. Then go and tell the singers to prepare to sing the welcome Song. Then bring the finest ring of gold, and with it, bring the finest robe of sable. To place upon the cold and weary shoulders of my child, that’s coming home.

It’s over now. It’s over I’m going home. It’s over now it can’t be long The prisons of my past, couldn’t hold me I’m free at last. My Father I see His arms reaching for me. It’s over now. My Father I see His arms reaching for me. It’s over now”.

 

That young boy was me, and if you paid close attention, he never said that I Loved God but that “he loved the building, he loved the people,” because I did, and still do love the building and the people of that time in our Church, but at that particular time I did not love God or even know Him or His dear Son Jesus.

 

The song brought tears to my eyes, and brought back some great memories of when we were building the Church and the lifelong friendship that I received from the men that were there that took me under their wings and showed Godly love for a young man that could have ended up running with the wrong people. If it were not for spending most of my free time working on that Church I don’t know where I would have ended up. I never drank, I never did any drugs, I didn’t run around trying to get in any trouble, I was way too busy building a house of worship.

I was working my way to heaven, at least I thought I was. It’s really difficult to win good people to the Lord, what did I need saving from, I was a pretty good guy, at least in my eyes I was. Could I be wrong, was I sure because I repeated words that the pastor’s wife told me to say when I was 6 years old, that I was covered, I hope so? And if you are not sure, that is not the right answer.

So, a few more months went past, and I was out of church again. I thought I was good to go, and again, I was wrong.

As I have stated I was raised in Church and I sat under the word of God my whole life, I didn’t know the author, but I knew the words that were written and I could use them to my advantage when I needed to. I used the Word of God as a weapon to attack people, just when I thought that they needed it, for my own good. Not a weapon as a sword against Satan, but as a club to beat people over the head, and in most cases I could hold my own in a battle of the Word and I would whip out the Bible verse to put people to shame when I needed it.

And time went on.

Edger C. Whisenant released a book that was predicting that Jesus would return for the Rapture is September 11,12, or 13 of 1988 titled “88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988” over 4.5 million copies were sold, and the Churches were filled on Sunday, September 11, 1988. It didn’t hurt that the day he predicted was on a Sunday.

And there, about ten rows back in the end seat against the wall I sat, as I have said I heard the word preached enough for anyone for a lifetime I thought. And I thought wrong, but there I was to prove the guy wrong. Because does the Bible not say:

Matt 25:13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. NKJV

So, I just sat there and heard Reverend Ben Turner preach one of the best soul winning sermons that ever was preached, and then it was time for the invitation. As the song leader took the pulpit and the Church began to sing, I took a good hold of the pew in front of me and refused to let go. Ben told me latter that he could see my knuckles turning white from the grip I had on that pew. I think, no I know that was the day that I knew that I needed Jesus in my heart, and in my life and so did Brother Ben the pastor. But I was a good man.

At the age of six I had said what the preacher’s wife said to say, I was put in the baptistery and dunked under the Holy water. I had to be ready to go to heaven, I had done everything you are supposed to do right? And then again, I was wrong.

I never, not ever asked Jesus into my heart. I love what Andy Stanley says quite often,

“Following Jesus will make your life better and will make you better at life.”

I saw Snyder again in May 1989. He was being ordained and afterward he saw me, and said that he missed me and that he was praying for me. And then he said that one of these days God was going break me or do something to get my attention, and that when he did, he wanted to be there. He was somewhat a smart-aleck back then, but he too is doing much better now. And again, a little time went on.

That brings me back to the rainy week of June 12, 1989, my wife had gone to visit her mother in Spruce Pine Alabama. She left on the 7th and was going to return on the 14th. The night before she left, we had a big falling out, we didn’t have many but when we did, they were big. She started the falling out trying to justify her actions. She was setting me up to be the bad guy, and it worked, by saying what she was going to do.

Remember that I told you that I could beat up a person with the Bible, well that is what I did that night. I told her that she needed to submit to me and to do what I say and to do my will because that is what Paul taught. She said she didn’t know any woman that did that, and she was not going to do it either. She then told me that she didn’t love me anymore and if that wasn’t bad enough, she then added that she didn’t think she ever really loved me. She then said that she may not come back.

With that said, I picked up my Colt 357 magnum and was headed out the door. She asked where I was going and I said boldly and proudly “To Hell” and kept walking, she asked and then pleaded with me not to go, she promised that we would work it all out when she got back next Wednesday.

I sometime later learned that “You cannot develop in your family what you do not possess yourself as in individual.” I could not lead because I didn’t have what I needed to lead. What was missing was Jesus.

Next Wednesday arrived, and she didn’t. I took off early, grilled 2 T-bone steaks, just the way she liked them, fixed a salad and some baked beans and baked potatoes, and had an apple pie cooking in the oven and Breyers vanilla bean ice-cream in the freezer. I sat the table, and even put some candles on the table and waited. She should be home any moment I thought, and again, I was wrong.

I waited past the time she was going to arrive and then started making calls. I finally got a hold of her mother and was told that she came home that morning and got some more of her belongings and was coming back to Alabama. So, I put everything in the refrigerator, and made some calls and told my boss I would be late the next day and then made a call to my parents and told them that I was going to Alabama and was going to try to get my wife back.

My Dad tried to talk me out of going and said that there were tornado warnings in Alabama and headed to us here in Georgia, I didn’t care, I was going. As I pulled out of my road there stood my Dad in the road again trying to get me to stay home, I should have listened because when I got there, she made it clear that she was not coming home anytime soon she needed some time to think, it’s been over 30 years, I sometimes wonder how much more time she might need. I guess I still am a somewhat a smart-aleck, but I am doing some better now.

In 1989, I was one of the few people at that time that had a phone in their truck, so on my way back home the next morning I called my pastor and asked if I could see him later that evening, he said that he would be at the Church because they were having Vacation Bible School, and he would be there around 7:00.

As I arrived at the Church, I saw Snyder in the parking lot, and he yelled at me and said that this was Church, and ask what was I doing there? He was just joking with me. As he got closer, I said, remember when you said that one of these days God was going break me, or do something to get my attention, and that when He did, you wanted to be there? Well, here is that day, as a tear ran down my face. He said he was playing and I said I know and told him what had happened and asked if he would come and pray with his Dad for her to come home. He said of course, and we went into the pastor’s study, and we meet up with Ben.

I needed someone to pray for her because I knew deep down that I couldn’t, but Ben could, but Ben wouldn’t. He would not pray for my wife that night, and I couldn’t understand why. The only reason that I was there was for his prayers. He said we were just treating the symptoms, and not getting a cure. The cure was for me to accept Christ that night and not to fix my marriage. I learned what it meant that night that “pain plants a flag of reality in the fortress of a rebel’s heart.”

He asked every way but coming out and saying bluntly are you saved for a while, he asked do you know Jesus as your savior? And then he finely asked if I were to die where would I spend eternity? I remembered the week before and how I stated I was going to hell. I just sat there, and then he finally said, ARE YOU SAVED?

My answer was I don’t want to be not saved. He said that was not the right answer, and then said that I knew what I needed to do, and he was right as Snyder opened his Bible and started the Roman Road, he paused then said that I knew these verses and I knew what I needed to do. And I did know what I needed to do. I personally have led people to the Lord before I had ever accepted Him as my Savior myself.

So, I asked Jesus to forgive me and that night I accept Him as my Lord and Savior. Just like that everything changed that moment. My wife didn’t come home but I did. Circumstances didn’t change but I sure did, the pain was still there but now so was Christ. Everything was for the better I assure you.

After that night as I got back in Church for the right reason, as I ran across different people and it seemed that most had the same reaction and said the same thing when I told them that I had accepted Christ and was saved. They would say I thought you were already. But the ones closest to me would say I’m glad, I have been praying for you for a long time.

The old saying goes you can fool some of the people some of the time but you can’t fool all the people all the time. I had some of them fooled but not all, and the ones that knew better were praying for me and as we soon will see looking for me to come home.

I just had to make up my mind or come to myself, as it says. Sometimes the one you think that needed to come home don’t quite make it. What I have learned it was never about getting her, my wife home, it was about getting Me Home!

If I had accepted the invitation the year earlier, she may never had left. But if she hadn’t left when she did, would I have ever got in the Word of God like I did, would I ever have stood in a pulpit and tried to bring a sermon, would I have ever got involved in the ministries that I got in, and saw the hundreds of souls saved as a result? Would I be writing this book right now?

Please don’t get me wrong, I do not under any circumstance believe that God made her leave, that goes against His Word. I do believe that he used the mess that I made to get my attention. Did you get that the mess that I made! And I do take full responsibility. But it did work for His good.

Does the book of Romans not say?

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. NKJV

 and

Genesis 50:20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. NKJV

Understand that God is not a genie in a bottle, or a wishing well. He is God, and we sometimes act as if he is supposed to do what we say, instead of the other way around. We quickly forget and sometimes quickly walk away because He didn’t do what I wanted Him to do. I will just leave, and then we do, but the question is the same as Peter’s question and that is “Lord, to whom shall we go?”

John 6:67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” NKJV

 

I promise you maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next week, or next month, or even next year. But the time is coming that you will end up neck deep in the pigsty. Then where will you go? All we must do is the same as the lost son did. Understand it is far better in the “Fathers” house.

As I have stated it’s been over 30 years, and she never came home, sometimes the one we love and pray for, never comes to their selves. Sometimes they don’t listen to the Father, but that is no excuse for you not to. Every story in life doesn’t have a happy ending. Just remember for some it’s not over yet. But for me I thank God I can say as the last verse of our song said:

 

The prisons of my past, couldn’t hold me I’m free at last. My Father I see His arms reaching for me. It’s over now. My Father I see His arms reaching for me. It’s over now”.

 

See, it was me the whole time that was dead and now I am alive. I was the very one lost and now I am found. It is definitely a time to be merry. It’s party time.

Luke15:24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’

 

And they began to be merry. As the old saying goes;

If not God’s way? What?

If not you? Who?

If not now? When?

Is it over now?

Only if you allow it to be.

Unanswered Prayers Part 2

 

Sometime it just takes a moment or two to answer…

Daniel 10:10-14 (NKJV)
¹⁰ Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands.
¹¹ And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.
¹² Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.
¹³ But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.
¹⁴ Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.”

 

And then,

God may also delay an answer. His “not yet” is, again, for His children’s good and for His glory. God’s eternal perspective is greater than ours. In His big picture view, He sometimes delays a response until the best possible time. For example, Zechariah and Elizabeth were childless and no doubt prayed for a child, but they were old in years before God gave them a son (Luke 1:5-13).

 

God delayed until it was time for the Messiah, Jesus, to be born, because John the Baptist would be His forerunner. Often, God’s delays are a means of strengthening our spiritual muscles or to teach us to pray continually.

 

Sometimes things will get worse after we’ve prayed before they get better; but remember: God is never late or early. Because He is God, He is not capable of making mistakes. We must remember the character of God and trust Him — He is wise, good, faithful, trustworthy, etc.

In His mysterious ways, He accomplishes “immeasurably more” than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

Ephesians 3:20-21 (HCSB)
²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— ²¹ to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

 

Can God, who is sovereign and omniscient, ever be persuaded to change His mind or alter His plans?

Some Scriptures indicate that prayer can and does make a difference in human events. But other Scriptures show that prayers did nothing to change the course of life in certain situations.

God’s answers might seem so random to us. Jesus escaped, but other innocent children were slaughtered (Matthew 2:16).

Matthew 2:16 (NKJV)
¹⁶ Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.

 

Peter was freed, but James was killed (Acts 12:2, 6-11).

Acts 12:2 (NKJV) Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

Acts 12:6-11 (NKJV)
⁶ And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.
⁷ Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands.
⁸ Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.”
⁹ So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.
¹⁰ When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
¹¹ And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”

 

Again, we simply cannot understand everything this side of eternity about how God responds to specific prayers.

 

What Might Be Some Reasons for Unanswered Prayers?

When our prayers are not answered the way we hoped, does that mean God is ignoring us?

Not necessarily. Sometimes it is a matter of waiting for God’s timing.

Perhaps God has something better for us, or there is an opportunity that He might receive greater glory. Perhaps He is protecting us from unseen danger.

 

Just because Christians’ prayers “aren’t answered,” that does not mean they’re doing something wrong.

Christians are often targeted by Satan. What the enemy means for believers’ harm, God redeems for their good and His glory.

But Stuart Briscoe wrote in Just Between Us magazine,

“We need to learn to search our own hearts as we pray, because problems may lurk in our hearts that hinder our praying.”

What are some possible reasons for unanswered prayers?

 

There may be spiritual issues. Perhaps we are not abiding — living in — close fellowship with God. We don’t have a prayer life or regular time in the Word.

We may not be asking according to God’s will and Word or turning away from God’s instructions. We may be a doubter, not asking in faith — or perhaps, because of weak faith, we’re not even asking God for what we need

(James 4:2b).

James 4:2-3 (NKJV)
² You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
³ You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

 

We may be praying hypocritically to get attention or praying in rebellion. We may be cherishing unconfessed sin. God will not be mocked. He knows us intimately and sees every “hidden” sin. We may be praying with sinful motives or out of pride or selfish desires rather than to the glory of God.

Jennifer Heeren wrote, “Our whims aren’t necessarily God’s will.”

The truth is — our happiness and so-called “successes” aren’t God’s highest priority. His responses are meant to shape us into the image of Christ

(Romans 8:29).

Romans 8:29-30 (NKJV)
²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

 

Again, God is more interested in changing you than your circumstances!!!

 

There may be relationship issues too. God sees when we show hostility against fellow believers or harbor an unforgiving spirit.  He knows when a husband is not treating is wife well. He notices when we close our ears to the cries of the needy.

 

How Should We Respond to Unanswered Prayers?

Should we keep praying about seeming unanswered prayers?

Yes, says Jon Bloom at Desiring God.

The Lord “wants us to seriously press into the question, ‘What’s the problem?’” Bloom said. God wants us to persevere. He knows we struggle to pray. “We’re distractible, we’re lazy, we’re busy,” Bloom said, “we’ve had poor models, we lack a clear plan for how and when to pray, we’re overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people and things to pray for, our Adversary opposes our praying, and the list goes on.”

 

When Jesus says, “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours, we’re “tempted to respond mockingly, ‘Yeah, whatever,” Bloom said. He continues that Jesus knows this promise presses us “beyond our limits.” “He means it to.” Jesus’s purpose is not to shame us for our little faith. “He’s inviting us to come further up and further in.”

 

Christians are tempted to become discouraged by what appears to be unanswered prayer; but Jesus tells us we “ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Persistent prayer reminds us that our hope is in God alone, and even though God may seem silent at times, there are always blessings in the prayers themselves — to build character and faith, and to increase hunger for the Lord.

 

Unanswered Prayers Are Invitations to God’s Heart

On one occasion, the disciples asked of Jesus, “Teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1).

Luke 18:1-8 (NKJV)
¹ Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, ² saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. ³ Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ ⁴ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, ⁵ yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” ⁶ Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. ⁷ And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? ⁸ I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

 

They no doubt noticed the relationship Jesus had with His Father in heaven, and craved that kind of connection.

“There is much more to prayer than making requests of God,”

Stuart Briscoe said. “God created mankind for fellowship and communion, to be ‘friends,’ to delight in each other and to have an ever-deepening relationship. …

This relationship, as it deepens, leads to a fuller understanding of God’s purposes, desires, intentions, or what we often call His will.”

 

When our prayers appear to go unanswered, God may be drawing us closer; it’s time to step up our prayers in frequency and intensity. God keeps inviting us to His heart so we can learn about His will and ways.

 

“Prayer is a relational interaction, not merely a service transaction,” Stuart Briscoe said. “Faith is not divine currency that we pay God in order to receive whatever we ask in prayer. Faith is a relational response of trust in what God promises us. … And those who are audacious enough to really live by what God says will see mountains move that God wants moved.” Prayerfully abiding in Christ is an act that is “profoundly relational,” Briscoe said.

 

If “whatever you ask in prayer” has not happened yet, he said, “do not assume it can’t or won’t. Don’t give up. This promise is an invitation to come further up and further in to knowing God. And those who have taken God up on this invitation testify that the audacious promises of God are for those audacious enough to believe them.” We must persevere in prayer.

 

Even Jesus Had Unanswered Prayers

Philip Yancey reminds us that even Jesus had “unanswered prayers” while He lived on earth. He spent an entire night in prayer before choosing His disciples, likely asking the Father to point out the best followers — the cream of the crop. Yet He then chose Judas.

And impulsive Peter. And the “Sons of Thunder.” Did the Father answer His prayer?

Were these the exact men Jesus needed to become disciples?

“The Son of God himself could only work with the talent pool available,” Yancey said.

 

Then, when Jesus struggled in prayer, pleading in the Garden of Gethsemane, He “offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death” (Hebrews 5:7).

Hebrews 5:7-9 (NKJV)
⁷ who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, ⁸ though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. ⁹ And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,

 

But Jesus was not delivered from death. He prayed for one thing, and got something else. “When Jesus prayed to the one who could save him from death, he did not get that salvation; instead, he got the salvation of the world,” Yancey said.

 

Jesus prayed another prayer that is yet unanswered. He prayed for all who would believe through the disciples’ message; he prayed they would be one, in unity. Clearly, this prayer is yet unanswered in the church.

 

One final prayer remains unanswered. Jesus said, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). We still await the Kingdom in its fullness.

Kingdom = authority

 

God Moves Powerfully, Even in Unanswered Prayers

Gary E. Yates — who wrote about a chaplain’s unanswered prayer for Dale Earnhardt — also wrote, “The greatest demonstrations of God’s power are often found in his answers to our unanswered prayers.”

Yates noted that a man named Bob Mitchell In the 1950’s prayed for the safety of five young missionaries who went to the jungles of South America in order to share the gospel with the Auca Indians. But Jim Elliott and his four companions were brutally murdered.

 

“Years later,” Yates wrote, “Mitchell attended a conference in Europe and met an evangelist who was one of the Auca Indians that had murdered Elliott and the other missionaries. Only God could orchestrate that kind of answer to an unanswered prayer.”

 

“From Killers to Christians: Fifty Years Ago, Five Missionaries Dared to Bring the Gospel to Ecuador’s fearsome Auca Indians and Helped Work a Miracle”

Unanswered Prayers Part 1

How to Pray Using the PRAY Method an acronym

These four aspects of prayer based on the Lord’s Prayer can provide a structure and flow for your prayer life. Approach them like dance steps rather than hard-and-fast rules to infuse freshness into your prayers.

Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV)
⁹ In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
¹⁰ Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
¹³ And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

 

 

Pause

 Jesus said . . . ,“When you pray, . . .”

To start we must stop. To move forward we must pause. This is the first step: Put down your wish list and wait. Sit quietly. “Be still and know that I am God.” Become fully present in place and time so that your scattered senses can recenter themselves on God’s eternal presence. Stillness and silence prepare your mind and prime your heart to pray from a place of greater peace, faith, and adoration. In fact, these are themselves important forms of prayer.

Rejoice

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name.

The Lord’s Prayer begins with an invitation to adoration: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name.” Having paused to be still at the start of a prayer time, the most natural and appropriate response to God’s presence is reverence. Try not to skip this bit. Hallowing the Father’s name is the most important and enjoyable dimension of prayer. Linger here, rejoicing in God’s blessings before asking for more.

Ask

Your kingdom come, your will be done. . . . Give us today our daily bread.

Prayer means many things to many people, but at its simplest and most immediate, it means asking God for help. It’s a soldier begging for courage, a mother alone in a hospital chapel. The Lord’s Prayer invites us to ask God for everything from “daily bread” to the “kingdom come,” for ourselves (petition) and for others (intercession).

Yield

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. . . . Amen.

The final step in the dance of prayer is surrender. It’s a clenched fist slowly opening; an athlete lowering into an ice bath; a field of California poppies turning to the sun. We yield to God’s presence “on earth as in heaven” through contemplative prayer and by listening to His Word, which is “our daily bread.” We yield to God’s holiness through confession and reconciliation, praying, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” And we yield to His power in spiritual warfare, asking our Father to “deliver us from evil.” It’s by surrendering to God that we overcome, by emptying ourselves that we are filled, and by yielding our lives in prayer that our lives themselves become a prayer—the Lord’s Prayer—in the end.

 

So,

 

What Are We to Make of Unanswered Prayers?

Gary Yates, Associate Professor of Old Testament at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, tells the story of a chaplain’s prayer. Chaplain Max Helton prayed beside the car of racecar driver Dale Earnhardt prior to the start of the 2001 Daytona 500. Holding hands, “they prayed for wisdom and safety,” Yates said. But Earnhardt lost his life in that race — in a final lap crash. Yates asked why God did not bring wisdom and safety when He promised believers, “Ask and you will receive.”

 

Puzzled by such “unanswered prayers,” some believers wonder whether Jesus was being totally truthful when He said,

“If you ask anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:14).

 

What are “unanswered prayers” and how do we explain them considering Scripture?

 

What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Unanswered’ Prayers?

When we think of the phrase “unanswered prayer,” many questions might come to mind. Does God hear all our prayers?

How does God respond to our requests?

Do we believe that He is capable of making mistakes?

Do we think we are entitled to what we ask of God?

Is there something in us that causes God to withhold or delay an answer?

Do we need to learn how to be better pray-ers?

 

Most people find prayer mysterious. We don’t always understand how it “works,” let alone how it “doesn’t work.”

When we believe our prayers aren’t answered, we might wonder whether our faith is small or if there are any one of a hundred reasons why God might turn away from our prayers.

 

“Unanswered prayer” is intensely personal. It’s how we view God’s response to our prayers.

The more theologically clever usually don’t like the phrase “unanswered prayer.” In reality, they say, there are no unanswered prayers.

The sovereign God is also a good Heavenly Father, and He gives His redeemed children what they would have asked for — if they knew everything that He knows!

 

Does God Hear All of Our Prayers?

God hears every one of His children’s prayers, and He answers them with “good gifts” in His good time and in His way.

Scriptures teach us His “ears” are tuned to the cries of the righteous.

 

He does not forget or forsake (abandon) His own. In fact, God knows our needs before we even ask in prayer.

Satan wants us to believe our Heavenly Father doesn’t care about us, but God is attentive to His children, and He cares about our concerns.

 

Sometimes Christians, discouraged by seeming unanswered prayers, assume that God has forgotten them. David voiced this in;

Psalm 13:13, saying, “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?”

He cried out for God to answer him. Likewise, we want to know that God is listening and truly wants to give us the desires of our heart; but sometimes we feel He has shut up the heavens, and the silence unsettles us. Asaph asked,

“Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he shut up his compassion?” (Psalm 77:7-9).

Psalm 77:7-9 (NKJV)
⁷ Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more?
⁸ Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore?
⁹ Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah

 

We are not forgotten by the one who has engraved us on the palms of his hands (Isaiah 49:15-16).

Isaiah 49:15-16 (NKJV)
¹⁵ “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.
¹⁶ See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.

 

God “closely attends to the prayers of God-loyal people” (Proverbs 15:29b, Msg).

Believers don’t need to fear that they’re not “praying right,” because the Spirit of God helps us in our weakness, interceding for us with

Romans 8:26-28 (NKJV)
²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
²⁷ Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. “Wordless groans”

 

He knows and interprets the cries of our hearts.

 

How Might God Respond to Our Prayers?

As we draw close to the throne of grace with confidence, we need to recognize that our Father God is sovereign in His replies. God appears to answer every prayer with either “yes,” “no,” or “wait.” He desires to answer believer’s prayers, and He does not withhold any good thing from those who do what is right — like every good and loving father. He delights in blessing His children and graciously giving them things.

 

But sometimes, God may answer believers’ requests with “no” because to answer “yes” is not good for them or is against His good will. Sometimes we get caught up in our frustration or pain, and we accuse God of disappointing us, abandoning us. But God may have something planned for us that is much better than we hoped or imagined.

Isn’t “No” an Answer?

Amy Carmichael

Just a tiny little child
Three years old,

And a mother with a heart

All of gold.

Often did that mother say,

Jesus hears us when we pray,

For He’s never far away
And He always answers.

 

Now, that tiny little child

Had brown eyes,

And she wanted blue instead

Like blue skies.

For her mother’s eyes were blue

Like forget-me-nots. She knew

All her mother said was true,

Jesus always answered.

 

So, she prayed for two blue eyes,

Said “Good night,”

Went to sleep in deep content

And delight.

Woke up early, climbed a chair

By a mirror. Where, O where

Could the blue eyes be? Not there;

Jesus hadn’t answered.

 

Hadn’t answered her at all;

Never more

Could she pray; her eyes were brown

As before.

Did a little soft wind blow?

Came a whisper soft and low,

“Jesus answered. He said, No;

Isn’t No an answer?”

 

The above poem, written by Amy Carmichael, was based on incident that actually did occur in her life when she was three. It turned out to be in the providence of God for her to have brown eyes. She became a missionary to India in the late 1890s. At first her ministry was primarily evangelistic. But along the way she became aware that some parents in India sold their daughters to the temple, where they were used for immoral purposes. God led one such child to her, and through a series of events and a sense of the Lord’s leading, Amy took the child in. Then more stories of other girls (and later, boys) surfaced and more opportunities to rescue and provide homes for these children arose. Amy had to struggle with this, because the Lord had seemed to be blessing her evangelistic work. Was it right to turn from that ministry to give herself to housing and raising children? She concluded that that was indeed God’s will for her life. The ministry grew exponentially and eventually became a whole compound, with housing for children of all ages, the workers who took care of them, and even their own hospital.

 

As Amy went “undercover” to find details of these children, she would stain her arms with coffee and wear Indian dress so that she could pass as an Indian woman and move freely in Indian society where she never could have as an Irish missionary. This she could not have done with blue eyes — her eyes would have given her away immediately. Neither she nor her mother could have ever known, all those years ago, the Lord’s purpose for her brown eyes, but the lesson of faith stayed with her all her life.

Underutilizing the Power of Prayer Part 2 

 

The Focus of Prayer

Don’t Underestimate God’s Power: Isaac Watts had a song that went, “I sing the mighty power of God that made the mountains rise, that spread the flowing seas abroad and built the lofty skies.” We can tap into that same level of power through prayer.

James 5:16 (NKJV) Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (NIV).

James 5:16 (NLT2) Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

 

None of us are righteous in ourselves (though we should be growing in personal holiness), but we are righteous in that Name for whose sake we pray. And because of that Name our prayers are:

(1) powerful and (2) effective. The Greek word James used for “powerful” is polis, which means “much” or “plentiful.” The word “effective” is ischyei, which means “to be very capable, to have strength.” A more literal rendering of this verse says: “The effective prayer of a righteous person accomplishes much” (LEB).

 

Don’t Underestimate God’s Providence: The more we understand James 5:16, the more we see how God answers prayers beneficially. He does not always work by miracle; He works through providence. The apostle Paul, for example, requested prayer to go straight from Jerusalem to Rome (Romans 15:31-32).

Romans 15:31-32 (NKJV) ³¹ that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, ³² that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.

 

The Lord did get him to Rome, but it was through an indirect and divine route that involved his arrest in Jerusalem, two years of imprisonment in Caesarea, and an ill-fated voyage (Acts 27-28).

Don’t be surprised when you pray one way and the Lord answers in another. In retrospect, you will find the Lord’s way best, though at the time it leaves you perplexed.

 

The Central Coast Rescue Mission of Santa Maria, California, ran a story by a man named Adrian who came to the end of himself. He was squatting in a house where the lights, water, and gas were shut off. He knew little about God, but one day in desperation he begged God to help him get off drugs, get out of that house, and get out of his situation.

 

He didn’t expect God to answer his prayers by sending the police to arrest him, but that’s just what happened. On April 1, 2014, he ended up in jail. But in jail he found a copy of the Bible and read it every day. “I found that God would comfort me in that dark time and place,” Adrian said. “I served three months in jail and now realize that was God’s way of getting me sober.” Afterward, the mission helped him to obtain the guidance and counseling he needed and to restore his relationship with his family. 2

 

God makes no mistakes when He answers our prayers, and His providence never fails to take the best routes and arrive at the best destination.

 

Don’t Underestimate God’s Plans: The reason God’s providence proves a blessing is because He has an main plan for this world and, in particular, for each of us. How He merges His plans, our prayers, and His ultimate purposes for us—all of that is in the realm of marvelous mystery.

 

But it is not to be underestimated.

 

I want to encourage you to work toward a more authentic life of prayer. Learning to pray is a lifetime pursuit. Don’t be discouraged. Try finding a chair at home, a table in your room, a moment in your day to develop this dialogue with the Lord. Like the disciples, ask Him to teach you to pray. He will move heaven and earth on your behalf, and as time goes by, you’ll learn to understand His answers.

 

God makes no mistakes when He answers our prayers.

 

Jerry Sittser wrote, “In the end we receive answers, for Jesus himself promised it would be so. He commanded us to pray, ‘Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’ Would he make such a promise, only to refuse to deliver on it? But along the way there are significant setbacks. The ending is triumphant, though it might not always seem certain. The kingdom comes, God’s will is done, though not right away.

 

God does and will answer our prayers, though it may take a while, sometimes a long while.” 3

 

Prayer changes things, but there’s something even greater. Prayer changes us! It is the window that funnels the atmosphere of heaven into our hearts as we await His glorious coming.

 

Honest Prayer

Understanding the Position of Prayer

We hear the phrase most often in a comedic context—a movie or television show. A character has a problem and needs a solution of some sort and doesn’t know where to turn. When discussing his problem with a friend, he is surprised to hear the friend say, “Don’t worry; I know a guy.” And in many cases, the character with the problem doesn’t ask “Who?” or “How?”—as if he knows better than to ask. And if he does start to ask, the friend nips the question in the bud as if to say, “You don’t want to know.”

 

Depending on the storyline, what happens next can take any number of turns—usually funny and good natured. So familiar has the phrase “I know a guy” become that we hear it used in everyday conversation. All it takes to generate laughter among friends is for someone to say, “No problem; I know a guy.”

 

And instead of being hopeful that all things will work together for good, we believe our way is the only way.

 

But sometimes the situation is serious and sinister, and the bumbling “guy” is replaced by what is called a “fixer”—someone who is not afraid to use unconventional, even illegal, means to solve problems or change outcomes. Fixers don’t always use despicable tactics, but in modern terms that is usually their reputation. Fixers “fix” things: sports games, political outcomes, legal problems, debts, business conflicts, and more. In British contexts, a fixer is simply a business consultant who helps arrange deals or outcomes using conventional means. In America, the role of a fixer has a much stronger “don’t ask, don’t tell” meaning.

 

When it comes to our lives—and how we pray—I sometimes wonder if we approach God as “the guy” or, even worse, “the fixer.” That is, we have a problem or a situation in which we are focused on an outcome that we are unable to produce by our own wit or wisdom. So, we turn to God and tell Him what we would like Him to do for us.

In the heat of the moment, we lose perspective on who we are and who He is.

He is God; we are not.

Yet sometimes we switch places with Him and expect Him to do whatever we ask.

 

Instead of being honest, we present only our perspective.

Instead of being humble, we resort to insistence.

Instead of being happy with whatever the outcome is, we tie our happiness to getting our way.

And instead of being hopeful that all things will work together for good, we believe our way is the only way.

We don’t care how God does it, we just want Him to answer our prayer.

Obviously, there is a lot wrong with that approach to bringing our requests to God. But Scripture shows us how to come to God in prayer.

 

The Position of Prayer

When we talk about a model prayer, we often cite the prayer Jesus taught His disciples: the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).

Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV)
⁹ In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
¹⁰ Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
¹³ And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

 

But not only did Jesus present a model prayer, He also positioned Himself as the Model Prayer—a model of how to come before God in prayer.

If there was ever a time when someone might be tempted to insist on his or her will being done, it would be when facing torture and death. And if there was ever a time for honesty in prayer, that would be it—coming before God with complete transparency and trust. And that is what we find Jesus doing as He faced what He knew was coming:

 

His death as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

 

When Jesus came to earth as a Man, He set aside His divine privileges and rights.

 

After spending time with His disciples for the Passover meal, Jesus led them out of Jerusalem and into the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39-46).

Luke 22:39-46 (NKJV)
³⁹ Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. ⁴⁰ When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” ⁴¹ And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, ⁴² saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” ⁴³ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.
⁴⁴ And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. ⁴⁵ When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. ⁴⁶ Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”

 

He knew He was the Passover Lamb; He knew He was about to be slain.

Doctor Luke was perhaps best qualified to describe the anguish Jesus was experiencing as He contemplated what was coming.

His agony was so great that “His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (verse 44)—so great that “an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him” (verse 43).

 

What an iconic moment for someone to appear to Jesus and say, “Don’t worry; I know a guy.

Don’t worry, I can fix this.”

But wait—Jesus didn’t need a fixer to solve His problem.

He was the fixer!

Didn’t Jesus tell Peter, just a short time later, that He could call on God the Father to send 12 legions of angels (72,000 angels) to free Him from what was to come (Matthew 26:53)?

Matthew 26:52-53 (NKJV) ⁵² But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. ⁵³ Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?

 

Jesus could have “fixed” His own situation had He chosen to do so!

So why didn’t He? Some things that we don’t see are more important…

Matthew 26:54 (NKJV) How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”

God’s will had been revealed through the Old Testament prophets that the Servant of the Lord would be “led as a lamb to the slaughter,” that the Lord would lay “on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6-7).

 

When Jesus came to earth as a Man, He set aside His divine privileges and rights (not His divine nature) and took on the very nature of a servant.

“He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8).

 

In short, Jesus submitted His will to the will of God the Father.

And by what means did He do that?

By the means of prayer. In the Garden, in the midst of unimaginable agony, He prayed,

 

“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).

 

Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done. That is the prayer of the Model Pray-er and all who would seek to pray like Him. That’s the hard way to pray but the most effective.

 

Maybe We Should Take a Moment to Prayer

Underutilizing the Power of Prayer Part 1

 

Everyone is posting and praying for Damar Hamlin’s and the doctors say he’s ‘making substantial progress,’ ‘beginning to awaken’ after on-field collapse.

As we have seen he is doing great, all through the Power of Prayer!!!

 

Did you notice how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brought prayer into greater prominence in the world? Even secular businesses put up signs saying, “Pray for

Ukraine.” Churches held prayer vigils. Newscasters asked us to pray for the victims, as did our public leaders. Recording artists wrote prayers for Ukraine, and some U.S. governors called for statewide days of prayer. The National Review printed a prayer to guide their readers; and during the Miss World ceremony, a prayer for peace appeared on the screen.

If you’re like me, you held up this entire nation before God.

In Ukraine itself, we were moved by scenes of people praying in their churches and public squares. One secular radio station had a number of Christian employees, and the station changed its programming to encourage people to pray rather than panic. When a pastor in Kyiv, Andrei Martinov, was asked if he was nervous because his church sat squarely between Russian and Ukrainian forces, he said, “No! No. No. We just pray.” 1

We can learn a lot from that!

How often do we tell others we will pray for them, but our mind becomes preoccupied with other thoughts, and we forget to pray for their need? Or how often do we rush to find a solution to a problem instead of bringing the problem to our Heavenly Father and asking Him for help? Our lives and the lives of those around us are filled with relationships, circumstances, and decisions that are in need of prayer each day. So why don’t we more instinctively think of approaching God’s throne to secure the assistance of heaven before we search for solutions on our own?

How often is prayer our last resort? When we encounter a difficulty or when we hear of global distresses, we’re apt to run to tell someone. Perhaps we check our phones for the latest news or texts or emails. We’re eager to see what our favorite pundits have to say, or our friends or family. No. No. We should pray.

Most Christians are underutilizing the power of prayer in their lives. Prayer should be our first reaction, not our last resort.

Prayer is our instant connection with the power of heaven. It’s our open line to the throne, and we’re told to come boldly to find grace to help in time of need. Elisabeth Elliot said, “Prayer lays hold of God’s plan and becomes the link between His will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the bur channels of the Holy Spirit’s prayer.” or seed that channels the Holy Spirit’s prayer

If you need to sharpen your prayer instincts, I’ve got four reminders.

 

• The Bible Is a Book of Prayer

First, remember that the Bible is a Book of prayer. The more you’re in God’s Word, the more you’ll be before His throne. The more you let Him speak to you, the more you’ll speak to Him. Often our neglect of Scripture and our oversight of prayer are two sides of the same tarnished coin.

As we read and study our Bibles, we often find our best prayers are the ones we discover in the Bible itself. In his book, Praying the Bible, Donald Whitney wrote,

“The method of most Christians in prayer is to say the same old things about the same old things. After forty years of experience in ministry, I am convinced that this problem is almost universal.” His solution is learning to pray through the passages of Scripture we’re studying, and he particularly loves praying from the book of Psalms.

 

The goal of the Christian life is simply to become more like Christ.

“A woman, let’s say, who wants to pray for her children or grandchildren might pray for them today as she prays through Psalm 23 . . .. Tomorrow she might pray through 1 Corinthians 13, and doing so leads her to ask the Lord to develop in her children the kind of love taught in this chapter. The next day, while making her way through Psalm 1, the text guides her to pray that her children would become meditators on the Word of God.  …  The following day she finds herself in Galatians 5 and pleads with the Lord to develop the fruit of the Spirit in her children.” 2

 

• Jesus Was a Man of Prayer

As we work our way through the Bible, we come face to face with Jesus. In the Gospels, we see Him praying, teaching others to pray, and modeling prayer in all kinds of circumstances. S. D. Gordon, in his classic book, Quiet Talks on Prayer, said, “Jesus prayed. He loved to pray. Sometimes praying was His way of resting. He prayed so much and so often that it became a part of His life. It became to Him like breathing.” 3

The goal of the Christian life is simply to become more like Christ. He was always taking a moment to pray. Sometimes His prayer was as short as a sigh and one word (Mark 7:34). Other times it was deep, long, and far-reaching (John 17). He prayed in private (Mark 1:35) and in public (Matthew 15:35-36). He prayed for others (Luke 22:32) and for Himself (Matthew 26:39). His disciples had never seen anything like it, and in awe they asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1).

 

• We Should Be People of Prayer

When we offer that same prayer, it helps us become people of prayer too. That’s my third reminder. Elmer Towns wrote about a time when he was terribly sick with the stomach flu. He was trying to get home, but his flight had been canceled. The thought of staying in the airport was untenable. He called his prayer partner, a logger named Buddy Bryant, and told him of the predicament. Immediately Buddy broke out into prayer over the phone for Elmer’s healing as well as for a quick flight home. As soon as Elmer hung up, he heard an announcement: “Another plane is here and we will be leaving within twenty minutes.”

A young man sitting in the terminal beside Elmer had heard the whole conversation, and he looked over and said, “I bet you think that airplane is an answer to your prayer. That’s not a miracle, just coincidence.”

Elmer was too sick to say much, but he prayed for wisdom and said, “I serve a God of coincidences.” 4

Our God of coincidences loves it when we take a moment to pray, and especially when we do it together with another person or group. We’re called to be people of prayer, and none of us will ever know—at least not on earth—how many thousands of answers God has bestowed.

 

• We Can Harness the Power of Prayer

My fourth reminder is an encouragement to harness the power of prayer. In my book Prayer—The Great Adventure, I wrote, “No matter who we are or what our life circumstances may be, prayer can become for us a thrilling, daily adventure. So many of us are needlessly living at a level far beneath that which God wants for us. He has a storehouse full of rich provisions, just waiting to be distributed to all those who will simply ask Him to open His hand. So often it is true that we have not because we ask not.” 5

 

Prayer should be our first reaction to any situation life throws our way.

Add this sentence to your conversations at home, with friends, and at church: “Maybe we should take a moment to pray.”

And make sure you leave a generous moment open in each day’s schedule so you can harness the power of prayer in your own life. Let’s learn to pray instantly, instinctively, and naturally. Prayer should be our first reaction to any situation life throws our way.

We MUST take a moment to pray, in times of war and in times of peace, in seasons of distress and during days of joy. In every daily circumstance—even before making a purchase or meeting a friend—in all the mundane and in all the massive issues of life, let’s always take a moment to pray!

1        George Thomas, ‘”We Are the Church … We Do Not Run From War’: Frontlines Ukrainian Church Standing Strong for the Gospel,” CBN News, March 17, 2022.

2        Donald S. Whitney, Praying the Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2015), 14, 79.

3        S. D. Gordon, Quiet Talks on Prayer (Fleming H. Revell Company, ud), 209.

4        Elmer Towns, How God Answers Prayer (Destiny Image, 2011), chapter 8.

5        David Jeremiah, Prayer—The Great Adventure (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 1997), 19.

FROM THIS POINT FORWARD:

From www.DavidJeremiah.org/Magazine to read the article “Get Focused—Be a Prayer Warrior” by Dr. Jeremiah.

 

Moving Heaven and Earth

• Underestimating the Potential of Prayer

Professor Jerry Sittser (A professor emeritus of theology and senior fellow at Whitworth University, Jerry Sittser specializes in the History of Christianity, Christian Spirituality, and Religion in American Public Life.)

Tells the story of his colleague, Howard Gage, who died from complications associated with Parkinson’s disease. Several months before his death, Howard preached in chapel and talked about Paul’s three-fold prayer request to be delivered from his thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:8). Like Paul, Howard had prayed for healing from his affliction.

God didn’t answer his prayer.

Howard and his wife faced incredible hardship. His dependence on medication destabilized his emotions and his life. As his physical disabilities grew, his mood swings increased. His friends hardly knew how to handle him.

 

Prayer changes things. but most of all prayer changes us.

Still Howard kept praying, but his prayers gradually changed. He explained, “On the days the medicine is not working, the Lord has to give me a lot of grace. In those times, Christ has been there for me.”

Sittser observed, “Rather than pray that his weakness be overcome, he concentrated on God’s goodness and strength, which was made perfect in his weakness. He became deeply aware of God’s provision in his life.”

Howard’s ability to stay spiritually well-tuned grew, and God gave him tremendous influence. At his memorial service, a speaker asked the large crowd how many of them had shared a significant encounter with Howard in just the two weeks prior to his death.

An estimated 150 people stood up!

Sittser said, “Howard’s illness did not keep him from praying. If anything, he learned to pray with greater depth, openness, and patience.” l

We’ve often heard the phrase: Prayer changes things. That’s true, but most of all prayer changes us. Prayer is the divine chamber in which we breathe heaven’s oxygen and find constant revitalization within. Yes, God moves heaven and earth to answer our prayers in His own way. But there’s something even greater than that. Through prayer, He moves our hearts and souls to know and to trust Him even more.

Perhaps everyone occasionally wonders whether our prayers represent real communication to Almighty God or are just a futile practice of psychological optimistic banter. Let me give you three facts about prayer and three ways to focus on prayer.

 

• The Facts About Prayer

The Promises of Prayer: The same Bible that predicted the coming of Jesus and the same God who raised Jesus from the dead have issued promise after promise about answered prayer. God has told us, “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you …. Ask, and it will be given to you .. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive . . . . The prayer of the upright is His delight” (Jeremiah 29:12; Matthew 7:7; Matthew 21:22; Proverbs 15:8).

 

The Practice of Prayer: Remember too, that the habit of prayer is the longest-running practice in the history of the world, going all the way back to the Garden of Eden, when the Lord walked and talked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. Since that time, has there ever been a single moment when prayer wasn’t rising into heaven from somewhere on earth? Every generation of Christians since the days of the apostolic band has affirmed the blessings of having a daily, abiding habit of prayer. No habit in humanity has been tested with such consistency and enjoyment.

The Potential of Prayer: Another fact that’s been demonstrated throughout history is the potential of prayer. In the Bible, it was prayer that shut the lions’ mouths (Daniel 6:22), raised the dead (1 Kings 17:17-24), delivered the Israelites from slavery (Exodus 3:7), and freed Peter from prison (Acts 12:5). Elijah prayed, and the heavens gave no rain (James 5:17). Job prayed, and his fortunes were restored (Job 42:10). Jesus prayed and fed five thousand with a boy’s lunch (Matthew 14:19). Paul prayed and saved the crew of a shipwrecked vessel (Acts 27).

Never underestimate the potential of the channel of communication God has ordained.

In the years since, God’s hearing has not diminished. His heart hasn’t changed. Your prayers are just as precious to Him as those of any of the biblical characters, and we should never undervalue the potential of prayer in our own lives and in our own times.

Never underestimate the potential of the channel of communication God has ordained.

“Dealing With Depression.”

Whether you’re out of work, having health problems or wondering how you’re going to make it through family or financial problems, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged. Sometimes the weight of everyday cares and disappointments and the nagging feeling of hopelessness and lack of fulfillment can trigger the blues and even depression. What does the Bible say about how to deal with discouragement and deeper negative feelings of depression?

The Bible shows that humanity has suffered from discouragement and depression since the beginning. Depression can affect all people, small and great. Many Bible heroes, such as David, Moses, Job and Elijah, dealt with it. What can we learn from their examples and biblical principles?

Consider the Old Testament prophet Elijah.

Elijah had a close relationship with God and was used powerfully by Him. Many people witnessed the greatness of God through the prophet.

Elijah encouraged many people. He helped a widow and her son who were down-and-out and had only enough food for one more meal. Elijah told the widow that God would provide, and He did. Later, when her son died, Elijah asked God to bring him back to life, and God did. This widow’s hope was restored through Elijah.

Elijah did many other amazing works by the power of God, but the Bible shows that even great men of God can get tripped up by the trials and challenges of living God’s way in a world under the sway of Satan. The story of Elijah’s descent into depression is a classic.

Not only was Elijah hated and threatened with death by the evil Queen Jezebel, he also felt his work had been in vain and that no one else was supporting God. He felt totally alone, vulnerable and hopeless. Being human like you and me, all this started to get to him.

Elijah got overwhelmed and wanted to quit. No one knew Elijah was depressed. But God did.

God approached Elijah, and Elijah told God that he had been doing his best, but it was all for nothing. Elijah told God he was tired and just wanted to quit and die!

God then did something surprising. First He put on a display of His power. But immediately afterward, He comforted Elijah by talking with him in a gentle whisper. God also quietly told Elijah that He had more work for him to do and let him know he wasn’t alone. God showed Elijah He was more than just a mighty God of power. He was also a compassionate God that cared. Elijah’s hope was restored (1 Kings 19:1-18).

 

What Does the Bible Say About Depression?

Perhaps you are tired too. Does it seem like you’re doing your best, only to have one crisis after another come upon you? Do you feel like the world is crashing in on you, and there’s nothing you can do about it? Do you want to just give up?

God’s Word has plenty to say about discouragement and depression and how to deal with both.

We should also recognize that more severe forms of depression can lead to or be caused by certain physical and psychological disorders. We would encourage anyone suffering from severe depression to seek the guidance of a trained counselor or mental health professional in addition to applying the biblical tools discussed in this study.

Let’s look at some relevant scriptures so we can learn what we can do to help overcome depression and its negative effects.

What is a root cause of depression?

Proverbs 13:12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.

Proverbs 18:14 (New Living Translation)
The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear it if the spirit is crushed?

Job 7:6, 11
“My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope…
“Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.”

We become depressed when we lose hope. When we see no end in sight to our problems, thoughts of just giving up will surface.

Who takes advantage of this moment of weakness?

Ephesians 6:11-12
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

2 Corinthians 2:7, 11
So that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow…
Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Satan and his demons want you and me to fail. They want us to give up. So, when we are discouraged, Satan will make sure he broadcasts his evil thoughts and ways toward us. We must guard our thoughts, or our minds will pick up on his wavelength, and we will become even more discouraged (1 Peter 5:6-9).

Where is the first place you should go when you are depressed?

Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Psalm 61:1-4
Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth, I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Our human nature doesn’t want us to acknowledge we need help, but God tells us to go to Him when we are discouraged. Even though Satan tries to broadcast his evil thoughts to us, God can protect us and give us an amazing and powerful peace of mind. Just as God strengthened Elijah’s hope, He can strengthen ours as well (Psalm 31:24).

Where else should you turn when you are discouraged?

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Proverbs 27:10 (New Living Translation)
Never abandon a friend—either yours or your father’s. Then in your time of need, you won’t have to ask your relatives for assistance. It is better to go to a neighbor than to a relative who lives far away.

Turning inward is not the way to deal with depression. We need to be with our friends so they can encourage and help us. As we read earlier, Satan is compared to a roaring lion. A lion attacks one that is weak and separated from the herd. Being with friends and family will build us up, protect us and help us stay strong.

What else does the Bible say you can do to help overcome depression?

Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Joyfulness and cheerfulness are a type of medicine for our minds and bodies. It’s good for us to smile and laugh! So, when we are discouraged, we need to do something that cheers us up. Helping others also brings us a “merry heart.”

Meditating on good things is also healthy for our minds, because it helps replace Satan’s negative broadcasts with good thoughts. The Psalms remind us that meditating on God’s law brings great peace (Psalm 119:97, 165).

How can a perfect God relate to the discouragement we experience as humans?

Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 12:2-3
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Isaiah 53:3-4
He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely, He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.

Jesus Christ gave up His spirit glory to live and die as a human. He experienced the same emotions and turmoil you and I face. He can definitely relate when we are depressed. The night before Jesus was crucified, He was overwhelmed with what was about to happen to Him. He pleaded with the Father for another way. The Father comforted Him by sending an angel to strengthen Him (Matthew 26:38-44; Luke 22:41-44).

Understand the angel did not com to deliver Him from the coming disaster but to COMFORT Him!!!

When depression is caused by our past mistakes, what does God promise to do?

Psalm 32:1-5
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah [a transliterated Hebrew word used as a poetic refrain] I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

Psalm 51:1-3, 7-10
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me…
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

A guilty conscience can lead one into deep depression. God tells us to confess our sin to Him, and He will forgive us. True repentance includes turning from sin, which means we must try not to commit the sin again. Even though God will forgive the sin, we still may have to deal with the consequences of our mistakes. But again, God will be there to help us (Isaiah 41:10).

If you are presently overwhelmed because of financial, health or other serious situations, what does God want you to do?

Luke 11:9-10
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

Psalm 27:13-14
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!

God wants us to tell Him our needs, yet at the same time be thankful for the good things we do have (recall Philippians 4:6-7). God expects us to do what we can to help our situation while also patiently waiting on Him to help us. God promises He will never forsake those who obey Him (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Finally, what does God want your mind-set to be when you are in a difficult trial?

James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Philippians 4:11-13
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

1 Peter 5:10
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

God wants us to think positively when we are in a trial. Hard times can make us better. Instead of dwelling on the negative, we should look for the good that will come from the trial. God promises that He will not allow us to be in a situation we can’t handle if we obey Him. And although trials may last a while, He encourages us to be content and patient, knowing He will see us through this difficult time. Jesus said that when we put God first, we have no need to worry (Matthew 6:25-34).

 

God does not want you to be depressed. When you are feeling overwhelmed, pray to God and ask Him for peace of mind. Do what is in your power to help your situation, then trust in and wait on God to do the rest. Take time this week to help others, and spend more time with your friends. Do something that will bring a smile to your face, and meditate on good things.

With continuous application of the principles in this lesson, together with medical treatment, if necessary, you will discover that your heavy yoke of depression will be lighter!

” FORGETTING THE PAST AND GOING FORWARD “

Part 2

(3) FUNCTIONING IN THE PRESENT! * Please notice v.13 again :
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

1. A) Paul said, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,”
   * Notice that Paul did not say, “one thing I will do.”

* He did not say, “one thing I’m going to do,”
* Or “one thing I will get around to someday.”

* He said, “one thing I do.”

B) Paul was living and acting in the present!

* Many people today try to live in the future.

* Do you know what the busiest day in the world is going to be?
* It’s not Christmas … It’s not the day after Thanksgiving … It is “someday.”
* Everyone in the world has something scheduled to do “someday.”
* You hear people all the time saying, “Someday, I’m going to do this or that …”
* The problem is that “someday” is not on any calendar.
* I’m sure that we’ve all made plans for “someday,” but the fact is, “someday” will never come!

C) Paul is the ultimate example of living each day to the fullest … Living each day as if it were your last!

* For example …….

* When he was imprisoned in Rome, he did not sit there stewing, thinking about all the things he would do when he got out of jail.
* He wrote letters to churches, sang praises to God, and even converted some of the people who had imprisoned him!

* Paul used every day to the uttermost.

D) Benjamin Franklin once said, “Do you love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff that life is made of.”

 

* It was Abraham Lincoln who first said, “The leading rule for a man of every calling is diligence; never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”

* That’s not my thinking all the time!

E) Perhaps, the saddest example of procrastination is found in the life of the Roman Governor Felix, who listened to Paul “speak about faith in Christ Jesus.”

Acts 24:24-27

24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” 26 Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him.

 

27 But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound. NKJV

 

* But as he was discussing “righteousness, temperance and judgment to come,” Felix became frightened and said,

“Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient …”

 

1. F) Never again did Felix listen to God’s Word!

* Once he had put it off for a time, as with so many things in life, that time never came.
* We all ought to be more like the psalmist, who wrote in

Ps 119:57-64

57 You are my portion, O LORD; I have said that I would keep Your words.

58 I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; Be merciful to me according to Your word.

59 I thought about my ways, And turned my feet to Your testimonies.

60 I made haste, and did not delay To keep Your commandments.

61 The cords of the wicked have bound me, But I have not forgotten Your law.

62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, Because of Your righteous judgments.

63 I am a companion of all who fear You, And of those who keep Your precepts.

64 The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy; Teach me Your statutes.

NKJV

 

The Room by Joshua Harris

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index-card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read “Girls I Have Liked.” I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn’t match.

 

A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named “Friends” was next to one marked “Friends I Have Betrayed.”

The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. “Books I Have Read,” “Lies I Have Told,” “Comfort I Have Given,” “Jokes I Have Laughed At.” Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I’ve Yelled at My Brothers.” Others I couldn’t laugh at: “Things I Have Done in My Anger,” “Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.” I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.

 

I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked “Songs I Have Listened To,” I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.

 

When I came to a file marked “Lustful Thoughts,” I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.

 

An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: “No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!” In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn’t matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it

 

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore “People I Have Shared the Gospel With.” The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

 

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

 

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.

 

I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn’t anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn’t say a word. He just cried with me.

 

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.

 

“No!” I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was “No, no,” as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn’t be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.

 

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.

 

He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, “It is finished.”

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

 

By Joshua Harris. Orginally published in New Attitude Magazine. Copyright New Attitude, 1995. You have permission to reprint this in any form. We only ask that you include the appropriate copyright byline and do not alter the content.

 

 

CLOSE

A) What if there were no church tomorrow because we were too busy to worship God today?

* What if God could not hear your prayers tomorrow because you were too busy to pray today?
* What if there were no Bible tomorrow because you would not read His Word today?
* What if there were no forgiveness tomorrow because you did not stop sinning today?
* What if there were no invitation tomorrow because you did not respond today?

B) As we embark on the journeys of this New Year, let us determine ahead of time that it will be a year of victory!

* Let us choose our own attitudes and follow the advice of the Apostle Paul.
* Resolve to … Forget your Past: Look beyond the sins and failures of yesterday; learn from them, repent of them, and then move forward.

C) Focus your Priorities: Place God at the top of your “to do” list every day!

* Worship Him … Study His Word … Put His Kingdom first in your life and everything else will fall into place!

D) Function in the Present: Stop living in the future!

* Do not put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
* Invitation: Would you bow your heads and close your eyes for a moment?

E) This morning, the absolute best way to start this year is to become a part of God’s eternal Kingdom!

* Focus your priorities by making Jesus the Lord of your life … Allow the cleansing power of His blood to wash away your past sins, and start living your life for Christ everyday!
* The Bible says in

2 Cor 6:1-2

We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says:

“In an acceptable time, I have heard you,

And in the day of salvation, I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

NKJV

 

* The invitation is open to all!
* If you are ready to be begin your life anew today … Or if you are already a Christian, but need a fresh start … The Lord invites you to please come!

 

” FORGETTING THE PAST AND GOING FORWARD “

Part 1

 

Sermon: Philippians 3:12-16

Pressing Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.     NKJV

 

1. A) There is an old story about a happy little boy who went out into the field wearing a baseball cap … And in one hand he carried a baseball, and in the other his trusty bat!
   * His face had a look of tremendous confidence … Cocking his bat, he tossed the ball into the air, saying, “I’m the greatest batter in the world!”

* Then he swung and missed.
* “Strike one,” he said.

* He picked up the ball, examined it, and then threw it into the air again.
* As he swung, he repeated, “I’m the greatest batter in the world.”
* Once again, he missed … “Strike two,” he said.

* This time, he stopped to examine his bat to make sure there wasn’t a hole in it.
* Then he picked up the ball, adjusted his cap, and tossed the ball into the air for the third time.
* He repeated again, “I’m the greatest batter in the world,” and swung with all his might, and missed for the third straight time.
* Now most boys might be discouraged by that, but this boy said, “Wow! I’m the greatest pitcher in the world!”

B) Today the first Lesson of 2023, and as we look back over the last 12 months, I’m not sure whether most of us would consider ourselves pitchers or batters!
* One thing for sure, is that we have all struck out from time to time.
* So, I guess it’s good to be able to start fresh.

* Kids are going back in school …….
* Young people will be headed back to college.
* And most of us will soon recover from the holiday season and will be well into doing our jobs and the activities of the new year real soon.

C) As we anticipate the next 12 months, some people might eagerly look forward to what each day will bring!
* Others might be filled with dread, worried that this year will be worse than the last.
* Like the little boy with his baseball bat, I would suggest that our attitude will make all the difference in the coming year.
* How we react to its event will largely determine whether it is a year of victory or a year of defeat.

D) The Apostle Paul was never one to let circumstances conquer him.
* Rather, with the help of God, he was determined to win the victor’s crown.
* Paul’s personality, I believe, really comes through in these verses!
* And, with these thoughts, Paul lays out some principles concerning our attitude that we can carry with us into the New Year!

* The first of those principles is this …….

(1) FORGETTING YOUR PAST!

* At the end of v.13, Paul said, “… forgetting …….”

13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

1. A) Humans are very special beings, in that God has given us the ability to remember!

* However, your memories can be you friend or your enemy.
* Paul had a dreadful past and it could have easily haunted him for the rest of his life, if he allowed it to!

* He persecuted the church … He used his authority to kill Christians.
* By his own admission he said, “I am the chief of sinners.”

1. B) He could have walked around all his life with this tremendous burden of guilt crippling him!

* And he would have never become the great Apostle and missionary for God that he went on to be.
* Many people dwell on their past failures, mistakes, and sins so much so, that they become
spiritually paralyzed, unable to live productively for God.
* Paul is telling us that we can turn our past sins and failures over to God and start moving “forward to what lies ahead.”

C) Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall!

* We have failed many times, although we may not remember.
* We fell down the first time we tried to walk … We probably almost drowned the first time we tried to swim.

* Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times, but he also hit 714 home runs.

D) R. H. Macy failed seven times before his New York department store finally caught on!

* We can’t allow ourselves to become obsessed on our failures.
* We are all human … We make mistakes … We sin … We fail … But what is worse, is missing the opportunities that God puts in front of us because we are afraid to fail.

E) In a Nike advertisement some years ago, a voice came over the television saying …….

* “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career … I’ve lost almost 300 games.”
* “Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed.”
* “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life … And that is why I succeed.”
* Those words were spoken by Michael Jordan, by most standards the greatest basketball player who ever played the game!

F) God once told the prophet Jeremiah that He would, one day, establish a New Covenant with the children of Israel!

* And when He did, He said …….

* Jeremiah 31:34

34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”   NKJV

* That covenant was established when Jesus Christ died on the cross.
* Since that day, God’s forgiveness is so complete that it is forgetfulness.

G) If we have been washed in the blood of Christ, God has forgotten all of our failures and sins!

* It is time that we forget them as well!
* Let’s follow Paul’s example here, “… forgetting those things which are …….”
* The first principal Paul teaches us for the New Year is Forgetting the Past, and the second is …….

(2) FOCUSING YOUR PRIORITIES!

* In v.14 Paul says, “I press toward the mark for the …”

14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

1.  He introduced that statement in v.13 with “but this one thing I do.”

* Obviously Paul did more than one thing!

* He made tents … He preached sermons.
* He planted churches … He wrote books … Paul did a lot of things!
* But what he is telling us is that his top priority in life was to “press toward the mark for …”

* Paul is saying, “I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus.”

* In other words, Paul’s number one priority was the Kingdom of Heaven!
* He was running straight toward that goal, and he wasn’t gonna let anything distract him from it!

 A while back an expert on the subject of time management was speaking to a group of business students!

* After speaking to them for a while, he said, “Okay, it’s time for a quiz.”
* He set a one-gallon, wide mouthed Mason jar on the table in front of him.
* Then he produced about a dozen tennis-ball-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, inside the jar.
* When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, “Is this jar full?”

Everyone in the class said, “Yes.”

 * “Really?” he said.
* Then he reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of small gravel.
* He dumped some gravel into the jar and shook it , causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks.
* Then he smiled and asked the group once more, “Is the jar full?”

 By this time the class was starting to catch on … “Probably not,” one of them said.

* “Good!” he replied. * Then he reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand.
* He started dumping the sand in and it filled all the spaces between the rocks and the gravel.
* Once more he asked, “Is this jar full?” * “No!” the class shouted. * Again, he said, “Good!”
* Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim.
* Then he looked back at the class and asked, “What is the point of this illustration?”

One eager student raised his hand and said, “The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard, you can always fit something more into it!”

* “No,” the speaker replied, “that’s not the point … The truth this illustration teaches us is this: If you don’t put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all.”

What are the big rocks in your life?

* As you look ahead over this year, what are your priorities?
* Jesus said in Matt. 6:33

Matt 6:33-34

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.  NKJV

* Drawing closer to God through worship, spending time with Him in prayer, and seeking His guidance for your life, by reading His Word … These should be the big rocks in your jar!

If you are considering resolutions for the New Year, let me make two suggestions:

(1) set aside time every day to read your Bible and pray, and

(2) determine to be more involved in God’s Kingdom.

* By that I mean, attending the worship of the church and participating in other fellowship and evangelistic activities!

It’s a sad, but true fact, that many Christians do not make God’s Kingdom a priority in life!

* Those who feel like they are doing their spiritual duty by going to church once a week, punching their spiritual timecard, are not seeking “first His kingdom.”
*  If we intend to press on “toward the mark to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers,” then we need to make God and His kingdom our top priority in life! Daily!!!

There is just one more principle that Paul offers us for the New Year, which is ……. Next week’s lesson.